Exclusive – John Fury praises entertaining clash between Leigh Wood, Josh Warrington: ‘That was a cracking fight’
John Fury, the father of boxing stars Tommy and Tyson Fury, had nothing, but great things to say about the WBA title fight between reigning featherweight champion Leigh Wood and challenger Josh Warrington earlier this month.
Emanating from Utilita Arena in Sheffield, Wood stepped inside the squared circle for the first defense of his second title reign against former two-time IBF champion Josh Warrington. After six rounds of entertaining back-and-forth action, Wood landed a flurry of strikes concluded by a vicious right hook that sent Warrington crashing to the canvas. Warrington managed to get back to his feet but was unable to get his footing under him, forcing the referee to call for the stoppage in the seventh round.
Speaking with LowKick MMA reporter, Murdo Todd, in an exclusive interview, John Fury shared his take on Wood vs. Warrington, offering his praise to both fighters for putting on a cracking fight in the U.K.
“That was a good fight between Leigh Wood and the other boy (Josh Warrington),” Fury said. “The little Leeds lad. You know, at the end of the day, that was a cracking fight. Thems the fights people want to see. Nobody wants to see somebody in the other corner with their 5% chance of winning, you know what I’m saying? So yeah, there’s some good fights in conventional boxing, but they’re the only ones I’m interested in. The good ones.”
Fury continued, “When you look at the likes of Wood and Warrington. Look at them, boys. Their vets of the game and still entertaining. It’s still entertaining fights, aren’t they? Would I want to see a second fight between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington? Of course, I would. It was a great fight and he was unlucky not to have won, Warrington, but one punch, that’s all it takes in boxing to turn it all around and that’s why people pay to see it” (Credit to Free Bets where John Fury works as an ambassador).
John Fury Hopes to See a Rematch Between Leigh Wood and Josh Warrington
Josh Warrington expressed some frustration by the stoppage, but John Fury believes that the referee made the right move and likely saved Warrington from enduring a heap of unnecessary damage.
“The stoppage was bang on,” Fury said. “The referee did a good job because that’s where injuries occur. Lasting injuries [happen] when they let them go on too long. That’s what the referees are paid to do. He made a good call. He probably saved Josh Warrington a lot of brain damage because when you’re gone, you’re gone. Leigh Wood knew he had him Lee Wood is a great finisher and the kid bangs. And you can’t afford to take freebies from a man like Leigh Wood because you’ll end up in the hospital.
“Great call by the referee. The stoppage was fine. Is there room for a rematch? Yes, because [Warrington] was in the fight, wasn’t he? He was winning the fight, but Leigh Wood came from behind. So yeah, there’s room for a rematch. I’d like to see a rematch and both boys can get what they deserve. They’re both great boys. They give a lot to the sport. I’ve enjoyed watching them and you know what? They’re serious fighters.
As for who comes out on top in a potential rematch between the two, John Fury believes Warrington could even the series with a few small adjustments to his game.
“Josh Warrington could win the rematch if he just keeps his chin down a bit more and he’ll know what to expect,” Fury added. “For my money, he was in front of Leigh Wood too much. He was doing a great job, but I thought it was only a matter of time before Wood caught him.”
Check out the full interview with John Fury below:
